Your new rabbit, critter, or bird

Congratulations!

Thank you for adopting your new bird or small mammal from Animal Humane Society! This page is your guide to making your pet’s transition from the shelter to your home as stress-free as possible, with resources and tips for keeping your new addition happy and healthy.

Rabbits and critters

Birds

Care your pet received at Animal Humane Society

All birds and small mammals are given a general physical examination. Additionally, every rabbit and ferret is spayed or neutered and microchipped for future identification. No vaccinations or diagnostic tests are performed on birds or small mammals.

Please consult your veterinarian regarding other veterinary procedures that may be needed. Follow-up treatments are your responsibility and will be at your expense.

If your pet was just sterilized

Animal Humane Society warrants that all dogs, cats and rabbits adopted from AHS will be sterilized and free from complications relating to the sterilization surgery. If your recently adopted cat is experiencing post-surgical complications from sterilization surgery performed at AHS or it is determined to have not been sterilized when adopted, please contact the Veterinary Services department at the location the pet was adopted. Our veterinary staff can assist with treatment for post-surgical complications, arrange for sterilization surgery at AHS or you can return the animal for a refund of the adoption fees.

What if my new pet gets sick?

While our veterinary services staff makes every effort to assess and report the health of your new pet, Animal Humane Society is not a full-service veterinary hospital or clinic. Adopters should take their new pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination. Select local veterinarians participate in a program that offers a free examination within 14 days after the adoption date. Please note that not all clinics offer the free exam to rabbits, critters and birds. To avoid a charge, please check with the clinic prior to your appointment.

If a new health problem (not noted at the time of adoption) should present itself in your dog within 14 days after adoption, Animal Humane Society has a free treatment policy that provides oral or topical medication to help treat select conditions.

Find information on selecting the right veterinarian for you and your pet, low-income veterinary options and complimentary services available to new adopters through select partnering clinics.

Home healthcare

Begin a routine of home health care right away. Grooming sessions are a perfect time to check your pet for fleas, ticks, rashes, cuts, lumps, and any other physical irregularities. Any changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or elimination habits may indicate a health problem. Always consult with a veterinarian if you notice a potential health problem or before proceeding with any new treatment. Never give any over-the-counter medication without first checking with your veterinarian. Human drugs can be fatal to dogs and cats!

Microchips

Microchip identification

In an effort to reduce the number of unclaimed stray and abandoned animals, we implant all adopted canines, felines, ferrets and rabbits with an identifying microchip. This microchip is implanted under the skin, between the animal’s shoulder blades. Shelters and animal control agencies are equipped with scanners that, when passed over the pets shoulders, can detect the unique microchip ID number. The shelter staff calls the registry with the number and retrieves your contact information. Then the shelter calls you to inform you your pet has been found.

The registration can be easily updated with a phone call or, with some registries, online. Keeping your registration information current is vital to insure the successful recovery of your pet if it should go lost or missing. The microchip number and contact information is included with your adoption paperwork. If you have questions about how to contact the registry or the brand of microchip implanted in your pet, call the shelter location your pet was adopted.

Supplies and merchandise

Supplies and merchandise

Animal Humane Society offers a variety of pet care products that have been chosen to meet our quality and safety standards. We carry pet foods, kennels, bowls, litter pans, collars, leashes, toys, and more. Unlike a pet store, all proceeds from the purchase of pet supplies help support the many programs and services we offer. Your support is both needed and greatly appreciated. Learn more.

Behavior issues

Behavior resources

Pet behavior problems can seem overwhelming, but many can be managed with the application of a little knowledge and effort. Keeping pets in their homes is one of Animal Humane Society's goals, and the following resources will help to ensure that both you and your pet are comfortable.

We’re here to help

If you have any questions about your pet’s behavior, our Behavior Helpline staff can help with advice and resources. Call (763) 489-2202.

Boarding options

Boarding your new pet

Animal Humane Society offers two options for boarding your pet.

Animal House: Located at AHS's Golden Valley facility, Animal House offers overnight pet boarding from a staff that knows all about caring for animals.

Now Boarding: Located near the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, Now Boarding features overnight pet boarding, doggy day care with indoor and outdoor playing areas, a grooming spa and dog training.

Adoption returns

What if my new pet doesn't work out?

Both you and your new pet need time to get acquainted and to adjust. Animal Humane Society provides a 30-day adjustment period within which you can evaluate the animal and your adoption decision. If, during this adjustment period, you determine that you and your new pet are not compatible, you may make an appointment to return the animal to us at no expense. Animal Humane Society will then provide you with an adoption credit certificate that can be used towards the adoption of another animal or the purchase of pet supplies in the Adoption Center. To return an animal, please call our Animal Admissions Center at (763) 412-4969 to schedule an appointment.

VCA Animal Hospitals

Animal Humane Society and VCA Animal Hospitals have teamed up to give you the best experience possible as a new pet owner. VCA Animal Hospitals will call you within five days of your adoption to offer a complimentary overall wellness exam for your new pet.